The Middle Finger Project

lit, six-­person of­fice in suburban Philadelphia (been there); why so many women end up staying in relationships they don t want to be in (ugh); why so many of us end up living lives that feel stale and dull and dreary and uninspiring (mmm-­hmmm); and why so many people end up resenting their every minute from the hours of nine to five, being mean to call center agents and rolling their eyes at babies and fantasizing about being hit by a tractor trailer and rushed to the hospital so they don t have to keep doing this crap. (That was me, once upon a time.)

We re all trying SO HARD to be these levelheaded, responsible, card-­carrying grown-­ups that we trade in our sense of adventure and curiosity and wonder and creativity in exchange for what we think is a secure and reliable future, assuming that the more constipated your face looks, the more seriously you ll be taken. Now that I m wearing this sensible pair of pantyhose, everything is going to be JUST FINE.

Back in the day when I was still a Very Good Girl , I wore those same pantyhose and drank milk and never talked back to authority. In fact, I loved authority. What took me a lifetime to discover, though, is that authority only works as long as you trust that someone smarter than you is making the rules.

Take my first boss, for example. I worshipped the guy. I was young and hungry and he was supportive and encouraging and kind. When he spoke, it felt like I was receiving advice from the Dalai Lama. When he handed me my paycheck, he made me feel as if I d just earned a gold m

Laura Belgray, author of Talking Shrimp

Gutsy, bright, and filled with the perfect blend of instruction, inspiration, and irreverence, this book makes you realize that it really is all possible even for those of us who ve been knocked around in life, don t fit the standard mold, and truly despise green juice.
Jenny Foss, founder and CEO of JobJenny.com; LinkedIn Learning Author

  This book is a reminder that even in our darkest hours we can be resourceful and courageous. Ash reminds us that we are worthy of so much and stronger than we know. Everyone who reads this will be better for it.
Cathy Heller, author of Don t Keep Your Day Job

This funny and fabulously insightful book is f*cking gold a must-read for any woman who is ready to stop playing small in life.
Noor Hibbert, life and business coach; author of Just F*cking Do It

"Internet entrepreneur Ambirge lays out a manifesto for unapologetic, no-holds-barred living in this entertaining debut memoir-cum-guide aimed at young women. Growing up in a trailer park in rural Pennsylvania, Ambirge dreamed of a stable, middle-class lifestyle. But after a series of misfortunes, including an abusive relationship and a death in the family, Ambirge found herself in a K-Mart parking lot, alone, homeless, and wondering what all her aspirations amounted to. The low moment forced Ambirge to find an inner strength that catapulted her over the year that follows, from sleeping in her car to getting a job in advertising to running her own successful online media company. Ambirge writes about her struggles and mistakes with candor and sharp humor, heightening the appeal of her call for radical self-reliance, which amounts to confidence in pursuing one s passions for a living. And along with all the snarky irreverence, Ambirge gives a wealth of advice on entrepreneurship, including tips on battling perfectionism, negotiating, and selling ideas. Ambirge s blunt tone and helpful advice will appeal to any woman looking to shrug off a dreary, conventional career for a life of adventure, passion, and happiness."
Publisher's Weekly